Your Legislative Update: Where We Stand on Key Issues
March 11th, 2025
Hello Friends and Neighbors,
The legislative session is moving at full speed, and we’re approaching a key deadline: priority bill designations are due this Friday, March 14th. If you’re not familiar, each senator gets to designate one bill as their personal priority, and each committee and the Speaker can also prioritize a limited number of bills. These designations mean that those bills will be scheduled for debate this session. You can view the full list of senator priority bills here. As we hit this milestone, I want to update you on some of the critical issues at stake and the fights we’re taking on to protect Nebraskans.
Efforts to Silence Voters
Nebraska voters have already spoken loud and clear on issues like school funding, paid sick leave, and fair wages. But instead of listening, some senators are working overtime to undermine the will of the people:
School voucher schemes (LB624, LB427, LB131) are back, despite voters overwhelmingly rejecting the use of public funds for private schools last fall. These bills are just new attempts to funnel taxpayer money away from our public schools.
Paid sick leave rollbacks (LB698) would gut Initiative 436, which 75% of Nebraska voters supported to ensure workers get basic paid sick time. Now, some senators want to carve out exemptions before the law even takes effect.
Minimum wage restrictions (LB258) would allow employers to pay workers under 20 years old less than the minimum wage, despite the fact that many young adults are helping to support their families, saving or paying for college, or may be parents themselves. Their age shouldn’t be an excuse to undercut their pay.
Senators Putting Corporations Over People
LB229 is corporate welfare that strips rights from gig workers and is on final reading, despite a filibuster at every stage of debate. This bill would reclassify Uber and DoorDash drivers as independent contractors, denying them basic rights like minimum wage, overtime pay, and workers’ compensation. It’s a giveaway to big corporations at the expense of hardworking Nebraskans.
Senator Hallstrom's other bill LB241 shields big tech, banks, and corporations from responsibility when they mishandle YOUR personal data. If you make a financial mistake, you're held accountable—why shouldn't they be? A fair market requires competition AND accountability. But LB241 makes it nearly impossible for everyday Nebraskans to hold corporations responsible for data breaches. That’s not free market, that’s government giving big business a pass. This bill was passed and signed into law.
Bill Update
LB34, my bill to enact year-round daylight saving time (DST) has advanced to final reading. Past divisions in the Legislature have been drawn along party lines, or urban and rural divisions; but this debate brings us a new division - one of time. Senator Murman's LB302, to enact year-round permanent standard time, also advanced to final reading.
Several of my bills are waiting for the committee to 'exec' on them, a.k.a. take up a vote on the bills. Bills need a simple majority committee vote to advance to full floor debate. While I have yet to officially declare my personal priority bill for this session, there are several contenders. Last year, I prioritized my bill to remove the statutory barrier on localities starting Syringe Service Programs (SSPs) to address public health concerns. It was passed by the Legislature but ultimately vetoed by Governor Pillen, who had fundamental misconceptions about SSPs. I introduced an updated version of the bill this session, LB165, and it's on my short list for priorities. Also on the list is LB368, a bill to codify a bill of rights for youth in foster care and detail the steps to take should those rights be violated.
Budget Overview
The state’s budget shortfall has grown to $289 million, primarily due to a reduction in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), which is the federal contribution to Medicaid - on top of the recently passed corporate tax cuts and income tax cuts for the most wealthy Nebraskans. This change is tied to Nebraska's strong economy, which has resulted in the state picking up a larger share of Medicaid funding. While a growing economy is a positive, it also means we’ll need to find creative ways to balance the budget.
The Appropriations Committee is currently looking at a few potential solutions: increased revenues, program cuts to the tune of $ 77 million+, and cash transfers, including tapping into our state’s rainy day fund. Many of these proposals were introduced at the direction of Governor Pillen and raise concerns for vital services, including rural health, affordable housing, education, and the Nebraska Environmental Trust. In particular, the University of Nebraska faces potential cuts that could severely impact students, research, and communities, with a proposed 2% reduction in funding. Balancing the budget will be no easy task, and I’ll continue to advocate for approaches that protect essential services while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
The next major development will come on legislative day 70 when the Committee’s final budget report is due. Rest assured, I’ll be working hard to ensure that our state’s resources are used wisely, and that the needs of Nebraskans—especially our most vulnerable—are prioritized.
There’s a lot happening in the Legislature right now, and your voice matters more than ever. Stay engaged, reach out, and let’s keep fighting for a Nebraska that works for all of us.
Best,
Meg
Education Committee Update
This session, we’re seeing a wave of bills that try to turn our schools into battlegrounds for political agendas. Some senators are pushing bills to inject more religion into public schools rather than focusing on real educational needs. Many proposals are driven by private vendors trying to profit off public education dollars rather than evidence-based solutions that actually support students and teachers. And then there are the nanny-state bills—legislators trying to make personal parenting decisions for Nebraska families instead of leaving those choices to parents where they belong.
Amidst all of this, there’s a critical issue we cannot overlook: funding for our public schools. Instead of increasing support for public education, we’re seeing a concerted effort to divert funds through school voucher schemes and overhaul our state's school aid formula.
It’s time to stand up for Nebraska's public schools and demand that we prioritize real, evidence-based solutions over ideological distractions and corporate profiteering. Our kids and teachers deserve better than to be pawns in this political game. The future of our education system is at stake—and I will continue fighting to make sure it stays focused on what truly matters: our students.
Government Committee Update
There are alarming attempts underway to curtail voter participation through measures aimed at eliminating online voter registration, restricting absentee voting, and complicating the ballot initiative process. These efforts are thinly veiled strategies to suppress voter turnout and disenfranchise segments of our population. At a time when we should be making voting more accessible, such regressive policies serve only to weaken our democracy and exclude voices that deserve to be heard. Contact members of the Government Committee today to voice your concerns about LB541, LB521, LB604, LR23CA, and other bills that matter to you!
In a move that threatens to disenfranchise the voice of thousands of voters, the committee advanced a winner-take-all proposal (LB3) for allocating our state's electoral votes. This decision came despite substantial opposition during the hearing, where testimonies against the measure far outweighed those in support. LR24CA seeks to accomplish the same goal. It's disheartening to see some senators yielding to external pressures, including from Governor Pillen, rather than standing firm for the constituents they represent. Nebraska's current system ensures that every vote matters and reflects the diverse political landscape of our state. Shifting to a winner-take-all approach will diminish the representational fairness we've upheld since 1991 and I remain strongly opposed to this change.
Senator Kauth's continued attacks on our trans students and neighbors continue this session under LB89. The hearing held back in February lasted until nearly midnight, with only 19 people there in support and hundreds testifying in strong opposition to this hateful proposal. The online comments we have received directly reflect the values Nebraskans hold dear, with a ratio of 4:1 comments against the bill. Despite this overwhelming public dissent, Senator Kauth has chosen to prioritize LB89, signaling a concerning disregard for the voices of Nebraskans.
I remain committed to defending the rights of all Nebraskans and ensuring that our government reflects the will of its people. Now, more than ever, it's crucial to stay informed, engaged, and vocal about the issues that affect our communities.
Upcoming Hearings
You can view the full list of my introduced legislation on the Legislature's website here. Hearings will be coming to a close soon, with the last day for hearings on March 28th. Full floor debate will begin on March 31st.
Make your voice heard!
You can testify in person or submit an online comment for the record by 8:00 AM on the day of the hearing. These comments are an essential part of the process and help shape the discussions that lead to decisions in the Legislature.
I encourage you to reach out to senators who sit on a certain committee, or hold a contrary position to yours on a given bill, to share your perspective with them. It's important that they continue to hear from you!
Handy links to bookmark:
- 2025 Legislative calendar
- Contact Info for Senators
- Bill search (by date of introduction, introducer, etc.)
- Live stream the Legislature
- Tips for Testifying
- Bill Tracker
As we continue pushing forward on important legislative priorities, your support remains critical. The challenges we face are substantial, but with your help, we can continue making strides to protect Nebraskans and create lasting change.
Your contribution—whether large or small—directly supports the work that keeps these fights alive. From defending workers’ rights to standing up against corporate giveaways, every dollar ensures we can amplify our efforts and keep pushing for policies that put people first.
Together, we can make a Nebraska where every person has the opportunity to thrive. Thank you for standing with us in this fight for a better future.
District 8 Events
Benson Neighborhood Assoc. Meeting
- March date TBD - 7 p.m.
- Benson Baptist Church (6319 Maple St.)
Dundee-Memorial Park Assoc. Meeting
- Brownell Talbot School (400 N. Happy Hallow Blvd.) at 7 p.m.
- Held quarterly on the 2nd Monday of the month
Benson Community Center Open Skate
- Free Youth Open Skate: Every Thurs.-Sat. 3-8 p.m., skateboards & helmets provided (waiver required)
- Adult Open Skate: Every Sunday 3-8 p.m.
Dundee-Memorial Park Assoc. Garage Sale
- Friday, May 9th - Sunday May 11th
- Sign up online or call Mickey Harrington at 402-553-3143
DIVISIBLE: The Omaha Redlining Documentary
- April 8th 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Omaha Conservatory of Music (7023 Cass St.). Registration via this link is required.
- FREE screening explaining the history, mechanics, and lasting impacts of redlining in our city. A 30-min panel discussion will following the screening.
Green & Clean Laundry Workshop
- March 20th 6-7:30 p.m. at Albant and Avers (5011 Underwood Ave.)
- Designed to teach you how to clean your clothing in the most eco-friendly and sustainable way, using non-toxic products that are safe for both your garments and the environment.
- Attendees will receive a complimentary product bundle from Exist Green with ticket purchase. Tickets are $30 - register here.
Our Office in the News
Nebraska Public Media - Legislature advances bill classifying gig workers as independent contractors
Nebraska Examiner - Lawmakers, governor, University of Nebraska seek more info on federal spending pause, review
Nebraska Public Media - Pillen's appointment to head Administrative Services challenged
Nebraska Examiner - Nebraska federal delegation applauds Musk, DOGE; some state senators call for oversight
KETV Omaha - Nebraska lawmakers ask state's federal delegation to launch investigation into DOGE chair Elon Musk
Nebraska Examiner - Nebraska bills to catalog school ‘mass surveillance’ tools, library books advance from Ed Committee
10-11 News - State Sen. Lippincott’s column sparks outrage among fellow senators
WOWT 6 News - ‘Unakite Thirteen Hotel’: Father struggles to change daughter’s name, get her social security number
NBC News - Nebraska father in limbo after daughter’s name incorrectly listed as 'Unakite Thirteen Hotel'
Nebraska Examiner - Trump push against ‘DEI hires’ and diversity efforts hits home in Nebraska
KETV Omaha - Nebraska Legislature debates bill on how school districts use student surveillance, tracking tools
KLIN News - Nebraska Lawmakers Considering Their Own Term-Limits Extension
Nebraska Examiner - Bill to catalog Nebraska school ‘tools of mass surveillance’ hits roadblock
Unicameral Update - Both options to end yearly time change advanced to final round
